Pre-eclampsia

Definition

Pre-eclampsia is a problem that occurs in some women during pregnancy. Blood pressure increases, protein appears in the urine, and organs can be damaged. This usually occurs during the second half of the pregnancy.

Treatment

Treating pre-eclampsia early can prevent its progression to eclampsia, which is seizures caused by severe pre-eclampsia.

Treatment may include:

Delivery of the Baby

The only way to cure pre-eclampsia is to deliver the baby. The decision for delivery depends on a combination of factors, such as:

How many weeks along you are in your pregnancy

Condition of you and your baby

Severity of the pre-eclampsia

Risk of other pregnancy complications

Labor may happen naturally or it may be induced. If there are life-threatening circumstances for either you or your baby, a cesarean section may be required. During labor, you may need medication to control your blood pressure and prevent seizures.

Medication

Mild pre-eclampsia can often be managed with rest and medication
if the baby is close to term. Your doctor may recommend medications to:

Lower your blood pressure

Reduce the risk of seizures

Help fetal lung development in case of premature labor

Home Treatment

If your home situation is stable and you live close to the hospital, your doctor may recommend that you rest at home in a quiet environment. Home treatment may include:

Taking frequent blood pressure readings

Getting plenty of rest

Obtaining help to prepare meals, do housework, and care for family members

Monitoring your baby's health, which may include:

Watching for fetal movement

Tracking kick counts

Follow-up visits to monitor conditions inside the uterus

Admission to the Hospital

If pre-eclampsia is moderate or your home situation is not restful, the doctor may admit you to the hospital. Treatment may include:

Lowering your blood pressure with medication

Taking medications to prevent eclampsia

Monitoring your baby's condition

Making sure you get enough rest

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of pre-eclampsia or other pregnancy complications:

Get early and regular prenatal care. Early treatment of pre-eclampsia may prevent eclampsia.

If you have chronic high blood pressure, keep it under control during pregnancy.

If you have a chronic condition, like diabetes, keep it well managed.

Get your doctor's approval before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Do not smoke or drink alcohol during pregnancy.

Eat regular, healthful meals, and take prenatal vitamins.

Ask your doctor if you should take a daily
calcium
supplement. In women who have a low calcium intake, supplementation may reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, and
premature birth
.

Your doctor may recommend that you take aspirin to lower your risk of pre-eclampsia.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Preeclampsia and high blood pressure during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at:
http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq034.pdf?dmc=1&amp;ts=20130314T1318525934. Updated September 2014. Accessed November 22, 2016.

Pregnancy-induced hypertension. American Academy of Family Physicians Family Doctor website. Available at:
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-induced-hypertension.html. Updated April 2014. Accessed November 22, 2016.